The weather is playing mean tricks on us and, instead of sunshine and a temperature of 25 deg C, we have gloomy skies and a nasty cold wind today. So much for spring. Bah! But I will use this as justification to put off my daily 10-km run and stay indoors with my beads, threads and Britbox. [just kidding about the 10-km run, by the way – that’s never going to happen unless someone puts me in a shopping trolley and tow ropes it to the back of their car].
There’s a lot of wrapped fabric cords and jewellery and bowls on instagram these days, so I thought I’d give it a bash.
I did not enjoy the process and I do not like the result, so this is definitely not my latest enthusiasm. The only thing that will save this, for me, is if I attach an old enamel pendant that came from my grandmother. The colours work well together and the pendant gives the cord the weight it needs to hang properly. In company with a few other beads and necklaces, it might get a wear – but the jury is still out on that.
I’m going to pop over to other people’s posts now and see what cleverness they’ve come up with. Here’s the list of other ScrapHappy bloggers:
Kate, Gun, Eva, Sue, Lynda,
Birthe, Turid, Susan, Cathy, Tracy,
Jill, Jan, Moira, Sandra, Chris, Alys,
Claire, Jean, Jon, Dawn, Jule, Gwen,
Sunny, Kjerstin, Sue L, Vera,
Nanette, Ann, Dawn 2, Carol,
Preeti, Debbierose, Nóilin and Viv
Nice piece of work 
This is a trend that has passed me by. I wonder if you will make more. The pendant certainly goes well with it.
Both cord and pendant still lying separately on top of the table. Gathering dust, basically!
I like how it looks very much, beautiful combination of fabric and wrapping yarn, but I suspect it’s not very comfy to wear. Maybe those wrapped cords would make a nice belt, where a firm effect is desirable?
It’s actually very soft so wearing it isn’t a problem. I suppose I just don’t like things I make if I didn’t like the making!
I think it’s great to try things…how do you know if you like the process or result if you just wonder about it? I like the looks of the wrapped cord you made, but I can totally understand it not becoming your latest enthusiasm!!
There are some very stunning fabric bowls out there, fabric rolled the same way but attached in circles with blanket stitch. I guess if I see one, I’ll have to buy it – certainly not going to be making my own. But yes, you are right – if you don’t try it, how do you know?! I think I’ll find a long chain for Ouma’s pendant and wear it like that this summer :)
I like the finished cord with its layers. But as you say, got to try things..
I’m doing a course and the tutor just showed us what we could do the painted papers, it didn’t rock my boat, but this morning I thought “what have i got to lose…” I might even get something out of it…
It’s true – you have to try. Seems I am happier with a crochet hook or a sewing needle in my hands….
As everyone else says, perhaps there’s a better use for it than as a necklace. Nice colours though.
A second, more successful attempt might be the start of a fabric bowl or mat or something along those lines. But not for me. This morning I’m alternating between the sewing machine and a selection of beads :)
Sounds much more satisfying
I like trying new ideas out but like you sometimes discover they aren’t for me. They aren’t a waste of time or fabric – just part of a learning process. I hope the bowl proves more to your liking.
All just part of a learning curve, I guess :)
I bet that’s really comfy for hefty pendants. Perhaps a variation with it a bit slimmer, and an s clasp at either end so you can switch pendants / necklaces / lengths and use it as the back of a collar. Looks like a lot of effort
It is actually very soft and comfy, and you’re right – slimmer would look better. If I see one, I’ll buy it (or just find a nice soft multi-coloured piece of rope!) Ouma’s pendant has been in a box for so long it can go back for another few years *hahaha
the colours are perfect together but I don’t think it does grandmother’s pendant justice, perhaps something finer. But, you never know until you try.
Definitely something finer (see Dawn’s comment above). All for another day….
I like it!
I thought I did at first…but I think it was just delight at having reached the end of an unenjoyable task!
No point making more if you aren’t enjoying it. Has a certain snakey vibe for me.
I like the combination of the stone and the cord. It certainly is scrappy but if it doesn’t make you happy, time to move on to something that does.
Absolutely. Fortunately (or unfortunately?) there is a wide selection of things I love fiddling around with, so sometimes it’s hard to choose!!!
Isn’t it interesting, the things that interest us and the things that don’t? I think about that a lot. I love the fiddliness of stranded knitting like Nordic or Fair Isle, but other fiddly things drive me to distraction . . . I so agree, though, that if you don’t try it, you’ll never know . . . and may miss out on a new obsession, to boot. If I did this, I’d likely make one bowl and that would be it. I loved how yours looked, though, and especially seeing your Ouma’s pendant. You are so fortunate to have that. Hope your spring arrives soon, Jill. We’re sliding into late Autumn/early Winter here.
I have a couple of things that belonged to her, nothing of value like the Crown Jewels, but things of value to me that I enjoy wearing. You’re right, if we were all liked everything then we’d all be the same – and that would never do! I won’t be doing any more wrapped fabric cord and, after a few sad and frustrating attempts this past weekend, it’s also possible that I will never be an applique fan either!!!
Just a quick stop here, Jill, to wish you a good holiday season and all the best in the coming year. I’d wish you to be warm and cosy, but that doesn’t really apply for you, does it? It’s down to -20 or -21 C tonight here, so a tad chilly. But warming next week, with more snow expected. This is good; the more moisture, the lower the chance of fires next summer.
Anyway, am working on a new blog post, but it won’t be up for a while. The new WordPress format is still challenging for me.
Sending you hugs and cheerful thoughts, my friend. ~ Linne
Checking in again. I’m doing better with WordPress, as Marlene (In Search of It All) sent me some screen shots of how to find my way to the Classic Editor. But that dratted post is still not quite ready. I’ve been adding photos, but still have a few to do. Soon, I hope.
I’ve begun house- and animal-sitting and am beginning to be booked ahead, so now I’m organizing some stitching projects to cut out and put in ziplok bags with thread, etc., to work on when I’m away from here. Been busy knitting, with some crochet. A little reading (am on Book 10 of the Wheel of Time series), too.
Hope all is well with you. I’ll check in again soon, but no worries; if you aren’t in the mood for writing, I completely get it.
Sending virtual hugs your way. ~ Linne
You are not forgotten, Jill. I know the need to take some time and step back from blogging, so no worries. I hope you are enjoying life where you are. It’s hard to think of you going into autumn when we are getting ready for spring. Take care of yourself and we’ll see you again one day . . .